Cleveland Browns Players of the Game from Week 8

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With offensive guru Mike Holmgren in attendance, the Cleveland Browns slugged their way to an ugly 7-6 win Sunday; thanks in large part to Cleveland weather making its seasonal appearance.

While this wasn't the prettiest game, the Browns had several impressive performances that were key in getting Cleveland its second win of the season. 

3. Billy Winn

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Billy Winn continued to make his case as a sixth-round steal with his performance Sunday. Winn jumped on top of Ryan Mathews' fumble as it rolled out of bounds.

He added the game's only sack with his second-quarter takedown of Philip Rivers. 

2. James-Michael Johnson

Eric P. Mull-US PRESSWIRE

James-Michael Johnson filled in quite well for Scott Fujita, whose career may be over with a serious neck injury.

He shut down Antonio Gates and registered 10 tackles. He also forced the game's only turnover, popping the ball out of Ryan Mathews' arms. 

The Browns have to be excited about the potential of the rookie from Nevada. 

1. Trent Richardson

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Everything Sunday pointed to limited production out of the first-year tailback. He was nagged by that rib injury and was facing the NFL's third-ranked run defense on a nasty Cleveland afternoon.

Richardson, however, true to his third overall draft position, made mince meat of the Chargers defense. He was rarely stopped on first contact, managing to bull his way through the second level on various occasions. He finished with a career-high 122 yards, scoring the game's only touchdown.

His bullish running helped Cleveland control the clock and avoid turnovers amidst the windy, rainy conditions on the shore of Lake Erie. His impressive 26-yard gallop proved to be all the Browns needed to pull out their second victory of the season. 

 

Check out his TD run here (h/t thebiglead.com).